And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3
Current Camera gear:
Canon 5dD Mark II Camera
Canon 60D Camera
Canon 24mm 3.5 TS-E Tilt Shift
Canon 45mm 2.8 TS-E Tilt Shift
Canon 70-200 F4
Nodal Nija Pano Head
Tripod-Bogan Manfrotto Carbon Fiber 190CX3, 488RC2 Ballhead
Tripod-Bogan Manfrotto Carbon Fiber 055CXPRO3
For me, uniting mountaineering and photography was the inevitable progression that just had to happen. It was a seamless connection between two passions that started in my heart, and never left. For 15 years, climbing mountains was my Perfect Storm, an addiction that stroked my competitive ego. I climbed hundreds of mountains mostly to satisfy that ego, but I also seemed to enjoy capturing and sharing these moments with whatever camera I could get my hands on. Sharing these images with friends and family was just as fun as climbing mountains. During my peak bagging tenure, there was always been one constant, climbing a mountain would never be fun without my camera.
Years later I concentrated on climbing more specific mountains in what I call “next level” scenery; areas like Lone Eagle Cirque, Glacier Gorge, Pierre Lakes Basin, West Maroon Valley, and the West Elks Wilderness. After that, I got into climbing everything in the Gore Range. After that, I thought climbing everything in the Sangre De Cristo Range would be cool. How about climbing everything in the West Maroon Valley? Sure, why not. I would select mountains that had great views of bigger and better mountains. For example, I climbed everything around the Crestone Needle… to take pictures of the Crestone Needle. Next, I climbed everything around Longs Peak… to take pictures of Longs Peak; the same with the Maroon Bells. Later, I climbed the Bells and the Needle, but it wasn’t the same. I didn’t get that “high” that others get when climbing great mountains. At that point I knew my passion for climbing had migrated to landscape photography. I climb to take pictures.
Often only a few minutes that day marks the allotted time to do my work. Lighting, stunning scenery, and technical precision usually delivers the that "Wow" factor in an image that I strive for every outing. Below the surface, never ending research, relentless planning, unlimited travelling, physical dedication and lastly, flawless execution gets me there at the right time and the right moment... thus I can share with you what happens out there, everyday somewhere, in our backyard.
I am blessed, no doubt; incredibility patient wife, lovely children and infinite respect for Mother Nature and Gods remarkable landscape handiwork drive me to share. I hope you enjoy the end product of my passion, a photograph.
Blending Disclosure:
Blending exposures is a potentially sensitive subject for some Landscape Photography traditionalists. However, everyday that goes by, someone who's been true to traditional processing, picks up hand blending to move their artwork forward. It's the inevitable migration to compete.
I do blend exposures in many of my images. Unfortunately a camera does not exist on our planet that can capture many of the high dynamic scenes I convey on my website with a single exposure. In fact, infinite low light scenics exist, but many of them stay hidden because cameras cannot capture a dynamic range like our eyes captures dark to light gradients and vise versa. Cameras are making great strides in capturing these kinds of scenes but those cameras are saved for photographers with very deep pockets. Even then, these cameras still can't do what a simple hand blend can.
I will stop at nothing to convey exactly what I saw, in that moment; often relying on skilled hand blends in photoshop to bring it all together. I want my Blending Skill-set to set me apart. Bad blending looks horrible, and even an untrained eyes can see it.
I'm going to keep up with the masses of Landscapers that shoot what they see, and use blending to convey the beauty. I'm going to show nature as it was that moment.
Most people are impressed with a well blended scene. It's the "WOW factor" I strive for. You have seen these kinds of scenes before with your own two eyes, but never again since that moment. You take a picture, and later disappointed in the blown out highlights, or underexposed shadows. You never look at the picture again. It’s just a memory... Thus the potential for a powerful connection when we see these scenes again, conveyed by a well-blended image.
Lastly, the technical aspects of many of my images are complex, to many almost mind-bending. Being good at blending is not easy, plus the practice is evolving everyday. I believe that Hand Blending images is a form of Art in itself. That's another story, and quite frankly, many of us that blend get a little nervous sharing those details. Back in the old days, Landscapers were nervous about sharing details about beautiful grand scenic’s and where they reside; today everyone knows where to go. The Internet exposed all of those places. Nowadays, blending complex scenes and doing it well seems to be the big secret.
Lastly, I owe a huge Thank You to many people that made and continue to make my climbing and photography dreams come true.
My wife Tricia-only the Lord knows how much you have been through with me and my silly addiction. You are my rock, without you I am only nothing. Thank you for your true patience.
Jim Haley-Where would I be without my climbing friend and master camera gear and post processing junkie?
Aaron Johnson-Thanks for- the endless support at Summitpost.org, and the endless mountaineering wisdom. At critical places in my life, Aaron was like a father figure, always bringing me back down to earth.
My Mother, Father and Brothers Charles and Kevin-for introducing my to the great outdoors. Without you pushing me out the door, away from the TV, I wouldn't be where I'm at today.
